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The latest Guinness Premiership player to be linked with a move to France, the London Irish centre Shane Geraghty, has said he would prefer to stay with the Reading-based club. The 22-year-old Geraghty has attracted the interest of Stade Français, who this week signed James Haskell and Tom Palmer from Wasps.

"I am talking about extending my contract with London Irish," said Geraghty, whose contract has a year to run. "I am enjoying my rugby here and would like to get something sorted. Everyone here gets on really well and the guys who have come through together are the nucleus of the team."

The England and Wasps wing Paul Sackey also said he would be staying put. "It is disappointing that three of my club mates are going to France, but I have no interest in following them," the 29-year-old said, referring to Haskell, Palmer and Riki Flutey, who has signed for Brive. "I am just concentrating on playing for England. As a team we were keen to play attacking rugby against Wales and there is more to come from us."

Shane Williams expects to be fit for stage three of Wales' attempt to defend the grand slam, against France next ­Friday night. Williams missed the 23-15 win over England because of an ankle injury, but the Ospreys winger is back in training ahead of the game at the Stade de France.

The Wales head coach Warren Gatland plans to name his team on Monday, with Mark Jones likely to make way for Williams's anticipated return in Paris.

Williams limped off in the second half of Wales' victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on 8 February, their opening game of the Six Nations. He had to abort his attempt to prove his fitness for the England game. "All last week I had been optimistic about passing my fitness test and playing, but I was probably fooling myself," he said.

"I had been wearing a cast boot, so thought I would be OK, but as soon as I started running I knew I had no chance. Even if it had been the World Cup final I couldn't have gritted my teeth and played. Maybe if I was a prop-forward, but in my position I put a lot of pressure on my ankle, so there was no way I could play against England. Now, however, I can report I am back in training, and while it is still a bit sore I should be fine for the France game."

Williams confessed to mixed emotions after the victory over England, achieved despite Martin Johnson's side going into half-time just one point behind. "It was a strange feeling last Saturday night," he said. "It is not often you beat England and don't feel completely euphoric.

"We weren't as happy as we expected to be because deep down we knew we could play a lot better. Then again, there was also a good deal of quiet satisfaction in knowing we can win without playing at our absolute best."

On a personal level, there was no equivocation from Williams. "I can tell you that it was a horrible experience watching from the sidelines," he said. "The game felt like the longest 80 minutes of my life.

"England had a good game-plan, they defended well and were very physical. But although there were a few nerve-racking moments, I felt we were comfortable throughout the game and we kept good possession. I was never too worried about England getting in front."